Zen and Pepperoni: Confessions of a Yoga Teacher Who Still Loves Pizza

You might think that all yoga teachers spend their days sipping kombucha and nibbling on chia seed pudding. And sure, sometimes we do. But we're also human—humans who occasionally (okay, frequently) crave a carb-loaded, cheese-covered masterpiece delivered right to our doorstep.

Picture This: It's Friday night after a long week of teaching classes and helping students find their inner peace. I've led guided meditations, adjusted downward dogs, and chanted more "oms" than I can count. By the time I get home, the last thing I want is another kale salad. My soul—and stomach—are crying out for something greasy, cheesy, and delicious.

People often assume that being into wellness means you have to be virtuous 24/7. But let's be real: Life is about balance, not extremes.

The Reality Check

• Deprivation Doesn't Work: Denying yourself the foods you love only makes you want them more. It's like telling yourself not to think about pink elephants—see? What are you thinking about now?
• Sustainability Over Perfection: A rigid diet isn't sustainable long-term. Allowing occasional indulgences makes it easier to stick to healthy habits for the long run.

Embracing the 80/20 Rule

I follow the 80/20 rule: 80% wholesome, nourishing foods and 20% whatever the hell I want. This approach keeps me sane and satisfies my cravings without derailing my wellness journey.

Believe it or not, you can practice mindfulness while indulging in your favorite treats. In fact, savoring every bite can actually enhance your enjoyment and prevent overeating.

How to Mindfully Enjoy That Slice

1. Set the Scene: Sit down at the table, put away your phone, and turn off the TV.
2. Engage Your Senses: Notice the aroma of the pizza, the texture of the crust, the flavors of the toppings.
3. Chew Slowly: Take your time with each bite, appreciating the experience.
4. Listen to Your Body: Eat until you're satisfied, not stuffed.

One of the core teachings of yoga is self-acceptance. It's about embracing who you are, not striving for some unattainable ideal.

Breaking Down Misconceptions

• "Yoga Teachers Are Always Zen" 
  • Spoiler alert—we're not. I get stressed, annoyed, and hangry just like everyone else.
• "Healthy Means Skinny"
  • Health comes in all shapes and sizes. It's about how you feel, not how you look.
• "You Must Avoid 'Bad' Foods"
  •  Labeling foods as "good" or "bad" creates a seriously unhealthy relationship with eating.

My love affair with pizza has taught me valuable lessons about balance and self-compassion.

Lesson 1: Moderation Over Deprivation

Enjoying a slice (or two) doesn't negate all the healthy choices I've made. It's part of a balanced lifestyle.

Lesson 2: Authenticity Matters

Pretending to be someone I'm not—like a person who doesn't drool at the sight of melted cheese—is exhausting. Embracing my true self makes me a better teacher, friend, and .

Lesson 3: Joy Is Part of Wellness

Wellness isn't just about physical health; it's also about emotional well-being. If pizza brings you joy, it's contributing to your overall wellness.

At the end of the day, wellness is personal. What works for one person might not work for another. For me, it's yoga and pizza coexisting in delicious harmony.

So here's to doing sun salutations in the morning and sharing a pizza with friends at night. Because that's what balance looks like—finding joy in the things you love while nurturing your mind, body, and spirit.

Stay balanced, stay deliciously imperfect.

XO M

Let's get one thing straight: Just because I can do a headstand doesn't mean I've transcended the allure of a hot, cheesy slice of pizza. Yes, I'm a registered yoga teacher and certified primal health coach who preaches mindfulness and green smoothies. But let's face it - if loving pizza is wrong, I don't want to be right.